The Irish standard., 1887-07-23
why, is it ANYTHING you have to tell

me?'
NO Mr.. Brian; only come in an sit
down for another start. And half en-
bracing him, she tried to draw him
towards the house.
Brian had known Sally Cayanagh
since his boyhood. He danced with he1
scores of times at the rustic merry
makings, OF which she was always the
life and soul. She had been the conf
dant of his own unhappy love; and when
she whom he loved with his whole heart
had proved unworthy. he knew that
Sally Cavanagh shed tears OF indigna-
tion at the thought Of what poor Mr..
Bran would suffer. He knew that
when he was a hunted outlaw, after the
failure of '4S, his escape from the ban
dogs Of the law-set upon his track by
Mr.. Oliver Grindem-Was principally
owing to Sally Cavanagh and her nus
band. I1e slept many nights at their
house, and when this became unsafe,
and he was obliged to keep higher up
themountain, Sally Cavanagh was often
by his side at the dead Of night, with
letters from his friends, or some neces-
saries of food OF apparel. Devotedness
like this-free from all selfishness-is
by no means uncommon among the
peasantry of Ireland.
Brian knew all this. But the futter
of her bosom and the look of confusion
which she strove in vain to concea |,
contrasted so strongly with her usual
free and open manner, that, in spite of
him, a half-formed thought of, to him,
very painful nature, crossed his mind.
But it was instantly dissipated by a
glimpse of Connor Shea's honest face.
who was evidently enjoying the scene
from little window behind the holly
hooks.
And why are you so anxious that l
should go in again?' he asked.
| The blood rushed to her face, suffus-
| ing even her neck and forehead, as she
dropped h~r eyes, evidently greatly en-
barrassed by the question. After q
moments pause she raised her eyes with
q frightened look, and said. while the
glow deepened upon her cheek:
I don't like to be by myself while he
is in the house.
1t would not be easy to aualyZe the
emotions which this reply shot, as it
were. into the heart of Brian Purcell.
Admiration and affection for her were
mingled with shame and remorse for
having doubted her goodness and vir-
tue even for an instant.
You know, Sally said he. that I
would risk my life to save you from in
suit or injury. But there is no danger
OF one or the other now. There is one
near enough to protect you. And, Sally,
I will confess to You that [ wish to
avoid a quarrel with this worthy land
lord Of yours; you saw how he attempt
ed to kick my dog while ago.
That's true, sir, said she. 4 forgot
that; tits better for you to go away
And she returned 10 the house with
slow and reluctant steps.
shame upon me- exclaimed Brian
Purcell, as he wended his way home
wards. Shame upon me for that un-
worthy thought. The rill that ripples
over these rocks is not more pure than
the heart within that graceful form,
nor are the rocks more firm than its viz
tue.'
Connor Shea saw his landlord pass
the little window, frowning savagely
He heard him mutter 10 himself-'I'll
see you tame enough yet.
When Sally Cavanagh saw her hus-
band coming out CT the little room, she
turned pale, and covered her face With
her hands.
why, Sally, what's the matter nowY
said he, trying good humoredly to re-
move her hands Don't you know I1e
goes OH that way with every woman he
meets?'
Oh! he did not know what q martyr
dom she was enduring, and how hard
was the struggle to keep down that
proud, true heart of hers. He did not
know that it was the dread OF discover.
ing this, and telling her tormentor to
the earth on the instant, that made her
cheek blanch when she saw him coming
out Of the room.
Sally said be, in a grave tone, may
be you think it was watching you [
was
sOhl nc, no, Connor, she hastily re-
piled; but what would become of us
an the childher, if we did anything to
turn him against us2'
But oh! the agony she suffered, try.
ing to keep that proud, true heart from
openly revolving against the insulting
persecution!
Connor gazed on her with a sort of
admiring astonishmenJ at her fore
thought and anxiety for their welfare.
s'The not wan of me can help laugh
in',' said he, when [ remember how
they used to say to me, She's too wild
an foolish for you, Connor; take a